A Call to Rebuild Nigeria: From a Fading Giant to a Flourishing Nation

 A Call to Rebuild Nigeria: From a Fading Giant to a Flourishing Nation

By Dr. Akinlooye Sarafadeen Olatunde

Nigeria, fondly called the Giant of Africa, once stood tall in pride and promise. The Nigeria of yesteryears was a land of hope—its economy robust, its communities safe, its people vibrant with optimism. We were known for our agricultural abundance, thriving industries, and a spirit of unity that inspired the continent. But today, the story has turned sour. Economic hardship bites deep, insecurity has become a daily fear, and the dream of prosperity seems to slip further from our grasp.

Are we to stand idly by and watch the ship of Nigeria sink while her citizens groan under the weight of hunger, poverty, and despair? Are we to let our children's future be stolen by greed, corruption, and mismanagement? Certainly not! It is time for every Nigerian—leaders and citizens alike—to rise with a renewed determination to rebuild this nation into one that others will emulate.

Good governance is the bedrock of any nation’s progress and the foundation of its citizens’ welfare. Our government must stop leading us from one national problem to another. Instead, the focus must be on policies that uplift the people, grow the economy, and secure our land. Our welfare should not be an afterthought—it should be the central mission.

We have well-meaning people in Nigeria—professionals, entrepreneurs, politicians, academics—whose skills, ideas, and integrity can transform this country. The problem is not the absence of talent or resources, but the absence of collective will and patriotic leadership. We must use our abundant resources wisely—not to consume recklessly, but to invest, multiply, and secure them for generations yet unborn.

To move forward, we must examine our past—its strengths and successes—and learn from its mistakes. We must confront the present with courage, rejecting corruption, insecurity, and divisive politics. And we must plead for a better future—one where a vibrant economy fuels productivity, where security is guaranteed for every citizen, and where opportunities abound for all.

The time for action is now. The Nigeria of tomorrow will be shaped by the choices we make today. Let us not be the generation that stood aside while our nation crumbled. Let us be the generation that, united in vision and purpose, rebuilt the Giant of Africa into a beacon of hope for the world.

Enough is enough. Together, we can—and we must—build a new Nigeria where justice, prosperity, and security permeate every fabric of our society.